September 17, 2012

Gamecock Sports: Game Recap - USC vs. UAB

Three weeks into this young season the Gamecocks already have two blowout wins! If someone would have told the Gamecock faithful that we would beat both ECU and UAB in blowouts back-to-back, most of which was done without first-string quarterback Connor Shaw, many would have laughed it off. I would have been one of those laughing. It seems that Carolina, especially early in the season, has had trouble putting lots of points on the board at any point in the season, much less the first month. I am very happily surprised by this outburst, and I am desperately hoping it continues into the next few months.

Early in the first quarter UAB seemed to have the perfect game plan for the big upset. The Blazers took the early 3-0 lead and were driving down the field again when quarterback Perry lost control of the ball and DJ Swearinger took the ball the other way for a quick score. It seemed after this play all the momentum shifted Carolina’s way.

Connor Shaw continued to struggle throwing the ball through much of the first half despite the Gamecocks taking a 21-6 lead into halftime. Shaw’s best throw of the night unfortunately came on the same play that would end his night. After throwing a beautiful pass to Ellington, Shaw was hit and landed on his injured shoulder. At this point he exited the game and would not return.

Dylan Thompson got off to a very shaky start, but after he calmed down and settled into the offense he made some of the most perfect throws I have ever seen by a Carolina quarterback. The best of these throws was a pass to Damiere Byrd which went for 94 yards and a touchdown, one of the longest touchdowns in Carolina history.

While it’s important to keep in mind the defenses Dylan has played against, I think he has shown that he has great potential. The experience he has gained the last several weeks will end up being very important as we continue through SEC play beginning next week with Missouri, as it appears Connor Shaw will be limited at best.

In his post-game press conference, Shaw mentioned that his injury stems from what many are terming a hairline fracture in his scapula. While Shaw says he believes he can play through the injury and pain, much like this week, we have to be very aware that he is likely one big hit away from being out of the game. Going into the bulk of the SEC schedule this weekend, it’s a given that whoever is playing quarterback is going to get hit and with the way USC’s offensive line has played thus far we have to believe that this could happen several times throughout the game when playing SEC defensive fronts. But for now the Gamecock faithful will just have to wait and see.

Gamecock nation will happily take our 49-6 win over UAB and move into next week with our hope for greatness still intact. We will also look forward to Marcus Lattimore adding to his lead in the all-time touchdowns for USC and the Ol’ Ball Coach adding to his collegiate victories, both of which hit huge milestones this weekend. It’s days like this Saturday that all of Gamecock Nation needs to remember to be thankful for not only Steve Spurrier’s coaching ability but most importantly his recruiting ability. For the last four years, South Carolina’s Mr. Football has come to USC and every single one of them has made a huge impact. This Saturday we all got to witness what the next several years will look like with a receiving core headlined by Shaq Roland who caught his first career touchdown pass as a Gamecock.

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